Anyone tried Monel strings on a 12?

[maxr]

Can anyone give me some ideas please on what the differences are between a Monel string set on a 12 and the usual e.g. D'Addario phosphor bronze? Did you find the sound more or less complex, bigger or smaller, did you notice any tension changes, etc?

I'm hanging off changing them till I get more time and some idea of the result, you know the old 12 string firing squad joke...

[Steve DeRosa]

I use them on my Rainsong JM3000 and Martin J12-15, with excellent results: they're a natural match for an all-hog Martin (as most of the posts around here will attest), and they give the CF Rainsong an appealing mellowness, almost "woody" in character - I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them for just about any 12-string...

[Lillis]

I have them on my Taylor 362ce. I put them on because I know they last a long time and was hoping I’d like the tone. The 362 is all mahogany and sounds great with these Martin retros. I’m not sure if I’d like them on a spruce top. Definitely worth a try.

[stephenT]

Have Retros on my Pono 12 string (Engelmann and Mahogany), I'll never go back to PB. Just try them, there is no downside. My Pono is a slot head so changing a 12 is a bit of a chore. The longevity of the Retros is certainly a bonus.

I'd say (sound wise) clearer and louder than PB.

[Eastbound]

Retros have a more mellow rounded tone. Typically Id use them to calm down a bright, pointy sounding guitar.

[Rockysdad]

I think it makes a difference on which guitar you have, for example, I have a Guild D-1212 (all Mahogany) it had Phosphor Bronze strings but, when I put a set of Retro's on it, it was like the guitar woke up and for *me*, that was the sound I wanted from it.

[Rosette]

I have them on my 12. Since they are more mellow sounding they subdue some of the brightness of that guitar which works for me, but the main reason I like them is they last quite awhile before needing a string change. Maybe elixirs would last longer but I haven't tried those on the 12.

[Coler]

Martin retros are my choice on my mcnally OM 12er. I lkke the mellow tones, and they go longer between changes.

[maxr]

Thanks all. The guitar I have in mind for the monel strings is an a maple body and neck Guild JF30-12, and 'bright' is a word you might well apply to it (also 'loud' and 'heavy'). I also have a Guild F2512 - that's a different kind of bright, so I think I'll try putting monels on both.

[parulid]

It looks like Martin only offers Retro 12 string sets in "Extra Light," described as having "ultra light" tension. That might not be ideal if I wish to tune down my 12 string by a full step D thru D...? Does anyone know if it's possible to get a bit heavier 12 string set of monel or pure nickel strings? Regular light or medium-light?

Thanks,
Dave

[Mandobart]

Remember on any set of strings, the plain strings are steel. Only the winding on the wound strings contain the alloy, be it phosphor bronze, 80-20, chrome or monel (nickel bronze).

On a 12 string, 8 of the strings are plain steel. So IMO it doesn't make as much of a difference as on a 6 string.

I use Curt Mangan phosphor bronze strings on my Ovation 12 strings. I use his monel strings on my archtop, 00015-SM and F4 mandolin. I normally use phosphor bronze on my HD-28 but last string change I didn't have a set, so I used monel. I like the sound, but it's not markedly different sounding.

I think I'll try a set on my 12 string too. I don't expect a big change, but worth a try.

[HogsNRoses]

Originally Posted by parulid

It looks like Martin only offers Retro 12 string sets in "Extra Light," described as having "ultra light" tension. That might not be ideal if I wish to tune down my 12 string by a full step D thru D...? Does anyone know if it's possible to get a bit heavier 12 string set of monel or pure nickel strings? Regular light or medium-light?

Thanks,
Dave

If I recall correctly, there is very little difference in overall tension between a Retro 12 string set and normal PB 12 string extra lights. I last tried them on a guitar that was already on the verge of fret buzz, and the A string buzzed a bit more. After a bit of fret leveling they would probably be OK.

For heavier strings, you can build a custom set at Curt Mangan’s. I like the gauges in the Pyramid 339 set. The Pyramid 339 gauges are heavier but still about 4 lbs less on the bass side than extra lights - a win-win.

An off-the-shelf alternative is to combine a Retro six string set and a Nashville set. The Nashville will have one bronze colored string though.

[Glennwillow]

I have never used Monel strings on a 12-string since I have been happy with PB D'Addario strings on my Guild F-512. But Monel strings are available.

- Glenn

[maxr]

Originally Posted by Mandobart

Remember on any set of strings, the plain strings are steel....

Yes indeed - although the Martin monel set I put on a 6 string last week claims to have 'tinned steel' plain strings, dunno if that makes much difference.

[FingahPickah]

I haven't tried them on my Sitka/Maple Guild JF65-12 yet, but I do have a Martin Retro 12 String set in my stash. Maybe it's time. I'm curious.

I tune to A440 with no issues (not lower). D'Addario EJ38 (PB lights .010 - .047) have been my main-stays for years.

I have used Martin (PB Extra lights .010 - .047). My only complaint is that a .010 for the octave G feels too tense when tuned to pitch. I substitute a .008 or .009 to compensate and it's fine.